Fear of the future and longing for the past are major factors which impede appropriate action.

When we do not reject our suffering, or add anything to it, pain is simply pain. It is what we add to our pain that turns it into suffering.

When we are able to receive life's challenges as koans rather than problems, they become interesting and exciting, rather than ponderous and depressing.

What we pay attention to expands. What we pay attention to we become.

In the Zen Way we focus upon each breath, each day, each moment and experience it totally. One complete breath brings the next.

Consider for a moment what you pay attention to all day long. What seems important to you, what do you take for granted and hardly attend to at all? Write it down. Do not judge your answers. Be honest and simple. As you keep track all week long, you'll be amazed at what claims your attention, what you give your precious life force to.

The best defense against being hurt is to feel good about yourself and the way a person responds to you says more about them, than about you.